PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE   

Dear VTT Community,

The end of the school year is always bittersweet for us at VTT. As educators, it is rewarding to tangibly observe the growth, development and emerging maturity of the students. However, saying goodbye, especially for our classroom teachers, is difficult due to the strong relationships that have been nurtured throughout the year. It is especially hard to say goodbye to our seventh graders, many of whom have been with us for the last 10 years! It is our hope that the lessons they've learned at VTT, especially those concerning derech eretz and tikkun olam, will serve them well as they move on to high school. We regularly hear about the wonderful accomplishments of our alumni in so many different capacities (academic, social, athletic, etc.). I have no doubt this group of students will make us equally proud.

Successfully running a Jewish day school--with its dual curriculum and integration of Jewish holidays and rituals-- requires the effort of so many hard-working individuals. Our dedicated faculty and staff, committed Board of Directors, and passionate parents and grandparents ensure we offer an academically-engaging and culturally-rich educational experience to close to 500 students. I am grateful for the input and time of so many people who care deeply about the success and future of Vancouver Talmud Torah.

I also wish to personally thank the following teachers who are either retiring or taking a leave of absence for 2011-12: Florence Lapidus, Eric Lee (39 years), Sharon Quirke (9 years), Rhona Schneiderman (24 years), Sari Weintraub (21 years), and Nancy Zipursky (22 years). Thank you to the following faculty and staff for their service to VTT: Orna Elizur, Sarina Hartman, Christine Larrivee, Noa Rabin, Joe Ritchie, Jazmin Sasky, Yifat Yogev Shoval, and Raymond Sum.  

Given how quickly the school year has passed, I can already envision September 7th on the horizon. In the meantime, I wish everyone a happy and restful summer (with lots of sunshine!) and look forward to welcoming you all back in the fall.

Shabbat Shalom,

Cathy Lowenstein, Principal

clowenstein@talmudtorah.com 

Parashat Ha'Shavuah/Weekly Torah Portion with Rabbi Matthew Bellas 

Responding to Rebellion

In this week's parasha, Korah challenges the legitimacy of the leadership of Moses of Aaron over the Israelites.  He comes to Moses and asks why it is that he and Aaron have been elevated over the rest of the nation, for God has taught that "the entire people is a holy nation."  Two hundred and fifty people gather behind Korah, Datan and Aviram in this rebellion against God's chosen leaders for the Children of Israel.  Certainly, this is an extremely bold move made by Korah and his followers and one must consider what we can learn from both the source of his anger and the method by which God and Moses handle the situation.

Rashi, the pre-eminent commentator on the Bible, notes that Korah's rebellion is not necessarily a complete act of hubris and selfishness.  He reminds us that when the Torah first speaks about Korah in this parasha, his entire lineage is given.  This is done so that we are aware that Korah is, in fact, a first cousin to Moses and Aaron, one with a very legitimate claim to a high office of leadership among the people since he is the oldest son of one of four brothers in the tribe of Levi, Moses' and Aaron's father being the oldest of the four, Korah's father being the second oldest.  Therefore, Korah's questioning of the appointment of Elitzaphan, the son of the fourth brother, as the chief of the family tribe instead of him, does have merit.  What we must take away from this, perhaps, new understanding of Korah's rebellion is that when individuals present what are or appear to be rebellious challenges and questions to us, there is a very good chance that there are good reasons behind them.  We may not agree with them or the reasons may make sense only to those who are coming to us, but we must be mindful of them.  Keeping this in mind will help us to be able to deal effectively with the "rebellion" which has been raised, no matter how big or small.

Read more online...

Shabbat Shalom! 

Some After School Programs to Consider for 2011-12 (Registrations already being accepted!)  

Yoga, Fall 2011

Grades 1-4, Wednesday, 3:30-4:30, Download form here 

Grades 5-7, Thursdays, 3:30-4:30, Download form here 

Fall & Winter Basketball  

Grades 1-6, Thursdays, November 2011 to March 2012, 3:30-5:00, Download form here 

Floor Hockey

Fall Floor Hockey, Grades 1-6, Mondays, Sep 2011-March 2012, 3:30-5:0, Download form here 

Spring Floor Hockey, Grades 1-6, Mondays, April-June 2012, 3:30-5:00, Download form here 

A Message from the Library 

Thank you to everyone who has already returned their books. If you still have library books out, it is not too late to return them! Drop them off in the library anytime during school hours.

SUMMER READING CLUB:

On Tuesday morning the grades 2s and 3s had a presentation from Oakridge Library's Children's Librarian. She told the students about this year's Summer Reading Club and read a story. If you would like to join the SRC, visit your local public library anywhere in BC. Children can receive incentives for reading a minimum of 15 minutes each day, enter to win prizes, participate in fun programs, and win a medal at the end of the summer. The program is suitable for children going into Kindergarten and up. Visit the website http://www.kidssrc.ca/ to learn more.

THANK YOU:

We would like to recognize the following people for their outstanding help in the library this year:

Grade 5-7 Student Monitors:

Jacqueline Belzberg, Dana Deutsch, Emily Deutsch, Josha Rafael, Itamar Sitbon, Katy Tritt, Leah Weidman, Sophie Wolfman & Maya Yaron.

Parents/Community Members:

Valerie Asmoucha, Sharon Bicas, Mirit Murad, Rebecca Rafael, Michal Sitbon, Barby Solomon, Felicity Sweitzer, Gaenor Vaida & Karen Zanotto.

Special thanks to Suzanne and Martin Ferera for their help with coordinating the Scholastic Book Fair and to all of the parents who helped: Lori Balshin, Susanna Bazaz, Michelle Biton, Dalia Bressler, Tanyss Bugis, Naomi Evans, Stephanie Fisch, Janna Glassman, Dana Gross, Jill Hasman, Raquel Henry, Debbie Jacobson, Jasbir Kastiel, Gaetana Korbin, Megan Laskin, Judy Leinburd, Lee Liknaitzky, Alex & Galina Madorsky, Brenda Menkis, Carol Nest, Ginaya Peters, Kayla Ragosin-Miller, Jazmin Sasky, Stephan Schecter, Heidi Seidman, David Sussman, Martin Welch, Judy Wolfe, & Naomi Youngson.

We wish everyone a wonderful and restful summer.

Ms. Natasha and Mrs. White

CELEBRATE LEARNING.  

CELEBRATE EXCELLENCE.

A few weeks ago all families received an important letter themed "Celebrate Learning. Celebrate Excellence." 

We encourage everyone to participate with this important request for funds as it will go towards our budget for programs and what we can offer our students.

It is the first time VTT has asked each and every family for support and we hope to get 100% participation.

Thank you in advance to our entire community!

To contribute online, please click here. 

INVITATION TO JOIN VANCOUVER TALMUD TORAH'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

In addition to the ongoing efforts of our school's teaching

faculty and administration, many in our community

work together with a shared vision towards continually

improving the quality of education our school provides

to our children.

Vancouver Talmud Torah Association is accepting

nominations for the 2011-2012 Board of Directors for the

following portfolios:

Development, Finance, Admissions, Human Resources,

Alumni, Communications & Public Relations, Strategic

Planning, Judaics, Governance, and Parent Affairs.

If you believe you are able to help us make a difference

and wish to be considered for a position on our Board of

Directors or on one of our committees, please indicate

your interest and background prior to June 30, 2011 to

Mr. Danny Shugarman: dshugarman@wt.ca
Tel: 604-682-5466